The human integumentary system harbors a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including diverse bacterial communities. These microbes reside on the skin’s surface and within hair follicles, forming a symbiotic relationship with the human host. Staphylococcus epidermidis, for instance, is a common resident of healthy skin.
This resident microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. It contributes to the skin’s protective barrier against pathogenic organisms, modulates the immune system, and aids in wound healing. Early research on the skin microbiome focused primarily on culturable bacteria, but advancements in molecular techniques have greatly expanded our understanding of this diverse ecosystem and its functions.